The Not So Tiny One is nearing 18 months old. She’s out in the garden at any given opportunity; she’s constantly seeking out opportunities to smother herself in mud; and she has a penchant for waving hello to passing ants (which is super cute by the way). But whilst looking into available groups to take her along to, I would never have considered Forest School. Only because I thought it was for older children (how many other toddler groups involve campfires, after all?) The Little Big One has been doing her nursery’s equivalent – “Welly Wednesdays” – for a few months now and loves it, but I thought she was at the perfect age to really embrace it (she’s 3). Apparently though, Forest School is something that can be started at a very young age (basically, from walking), because it’s all about encouraging children to follow their own interests outdoors. It’s a simple philosophy that reaps all kinds of benefits – I’m sure we’ve all heard them: the Forest School environment is proven to help build confidence and self-esteem, promote curiosity and sensitivity and teach children how to assess risks and make choices. I guess it’s never too early to start fostering these values.

I was delighted then to see that Earthwise (an outdoor learning centre that works across the South West) was launching a Forest School for toddlers at Wells Cathedral School, in partnership with the school and Little Wellies nursery, and led by Forest School leader Claire Rosling. The Not So Tiny One and I gave it a try this week and we both had a great time. Here’s what we got up to.

A big part of Forest School is to encourage children to explore freely and independently (which is hard when your child is just 18 months old) but the activities were designed to give children as much freedom as possible. The main activity of the session was making, and painting with, natural dye. We went foraging around the garden for elderberries and mulberries, picking them and popping them in a bucket before mashing them up into a paste using sticks we’d also found in the garden. The individual berry crops were put into a big pot, mixed with water and cooked on the campfire before the toddlers were given brushes and pieces of fabric and let loose with the dye, creating their own masterpieces. While foraging for berries and other garden produce is a fantastic activity for feeding curious minds, Claire was quick to teach us one of her class rhymes: “No pick, no lick, be careful with that stick,” which teaches children not to pick anything living, not to put anything in their mouths and to always be careful and safe. While Forest School encourages curiosity, it also provides boundaries that allow children to explore independently, but also safely, and this rhyme is a fun way to help them remember this!

The Not So Tiny One was then keen to do a spot of bug hunting, where we met a very speedy centipede, some woodlice and plenty of her little ant buddies. She loved tipping over logs and digging around in the mud and was fascinated when we looked at the centipede’s legs under a magnifying glass.

We then had fun exploring some of the apparatus that was dotted around the garden – a swing, a rope ladder and a hammock, in which she was thoroughly entertained as she discovered she could swing herself from side to side. There was also an opportunity for tree climbing, which under normal circumstances I wouldn’t have considered. She has oodles of confidence but like all children her age, she also has zero understanding of consequence so I sometimes feel like my protective nature can hold her back. Within the Forest School environment, I felt more comfortable allowing her to explore independently and was super proud (as was she) when she climbed into the nook of the tree and smiled back at me.

The final part of the session was based around the campfire. We all sat on tree stumps and sang some nature songs I hadn’t heard before but will be adding to our repertoire (if I can remember them)! Tea, coffee and mini hot chocolates were provided and we were encouraged to bring snacks along that could be shared with the group. All in all, it was a fantastic group and we plan to sign up for the half term block. It’s £8 a session, so £48 for the 6 weeks. After attending just one session I can see how over a period of time Forest School can have real benefits for children. But, for now, I’m just going to enjoy spending time together outdoors and seeing the Not So Tiny One’s curiosity and adventurous spirit grow and grow!

You can find out more about Earthwise and the toddler group here.

Here are a couple of other Forest School groups in the area that cater for pre-school children (I haven’t attended either group but they come recommended!):

Holly & Hawthorn – Little Seedlings Outdoor Parent and Toddler group
Willows Wild Play